1972 Formula 233 Restoration

[CompBCurrie]

I've been lurking on this site for a while now, and want to say thanks to all you guys who've taken the time to post up your restorations. I've learned a lot and feel confident about tackling this project.

The boat is a '72 Formula 233 that I picked up for $2k on a decent trailer. The previous owner dropped in a re manufactured Jasper engine 5 years ago with a plastic fuel tank. He put about 100 hours on the boat, winterized it and it's been sitting since. My plans are to re-seal the outdrive, get the motor running and enjoy the boat this summer/ fall. This winter I plan on really tearing it down to replace the stringers and transom (which are wet in places, but still solid enough I have no problem taking it out for the season).

Anyway...here's the boat as she sits now.

 

[CompBCurrie]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

I decided I wanted to sort the mechanical bits on the boat before getting into any cleanup/cosmetics. The outdrive came off relatively easily, but the shift cable and all of the bellows are trashed and will be replaced. The little oil that was left in the drive was drained and appeared to be free of metal shavings.

I've got the hinge pin tool, shift cable, and bellows kits on order.

The trim motor makes noise, but the cylinders won't retract. I'm guessing it's a wiring or relay problem. The wires to the limit switch and position senders were so corroded that they just broke off in my hands...guess it's time to order those too!

 

[zach103]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

Smart move with the mechanics first.. Hows the engine?

 

[CompBCurrie]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

The engine turns over, but I haven't checked the compression yet. On my list over today and tomorrow is to pull the plugs and soak the cylinders a bit, just to get some oil in the bores. Then I'll check the compression.

For spark, the guy included an electronic distributor conversion which I'll be putting on. The wires look brand new, but I'll be changing the plugs.

For fuel, It's got at least 55 gal in the tank that I need to dispose of and replace. The carb also has some varnish in the bowls so it may need to be rebuilt.

I'm also going to pull the risers just to verify they're in good shape since the seller claimed they were new with the engine. Fingers crossed...

 

[clockwatcher]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

Classic Formula. I see lots of potential in the boat.

 

[zach103]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

Classic Formula. I see lots of potential in the boat.

I second that.. looks like some goo cleaning after the mechanics and it should be really nice.

 

[CompBCurrie]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

Thanks guys. I really like the hull and know it's worth the effort to restore it. Lots to do though...

 

[CompBCurrie]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

So while I'm waiting for the outdrive parts to arrive I took off the risers to check the condition...and they're RUSTY. Tons of rust. No rust really seemed to have dropped into the engine, fortunately. 7 out of 8 exhaust valves looked good...the other had some rust scale built up. Gonna check around in the engine forum to see what they recommend.

Some pics of the nastiness I found in the risers.

 

[maagee79]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

as soon as u start the motor all that rust will blow out. what motor do u have in that? i'm redoing a 76 255 castaway now its been a long journey bout done i hope.

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

Very cool boat! Lots of potential! I will be watching this one!

 

[CompBCurrie]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

The motor is a 350 from Jasper.

 

[CompBCurrie]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

Slow progress because I'm currently in the process of moving from VA to Pensacola, FL. I got the trailer lights working again (no flickering) and repacked all the wheel bearings before the big drive.

I also pulled everything off the sterndrive, and finally got the shift cable out. Here's what it looks like now.

I have the bellows kit/ gimbal bearing. Now I'm going to source the new shift cable and risers/manifolds. Speaking of which...after pulling them off I quickly realized that the motor is NOT a 350. It's a small block Ford, probably 351 but I'm going to look more into that.

 

[CompBCurrie]

Re: 1972 Formula 233 Restoration

Sold this boat to a happy new owner who's repowering it with a 6.2 Chevy and Bravo 3. Picked up a '76 that I've been restoring. After manifolds & risers, new cooling water hoses, new fuel hoses/ racor filter, new plugs/ wires, new water pump, batteries, bilge pumps, outdrive shaft seals, and props...shakedown cruise went great today! Volvo 5.7GL w/ DPS duoprop outdrive. With 3 guys and a dog on board, 37mph max. Cruises 26 burning 12 gph.